Understanding China [3rd Edition]

"An excellent introduction to China for anyone in search of solid but concise information about that complicated country. Packed with facts and figures, but enlivened with firsthand observations."—Lucian W. Pye, The New York Times

"A marvelously useful book. Mr. Starr has given us an excellent introduction to the study of modern China, written with clarity and insight. I was impressed by the depth of his knowledge and by the skill and fair-mindedness of his presentation."—Frank Gibney, former Time Life Asia Bureau Chief, author of Five Gentlemen of Japan

"Invaluable . . . Provides substantial coverage of the relationships between China's history and present-day system."—MultiCultural Review

"An impressive and comprehensive survey of mainland China's geography, political structure, military establishment, economics, and recent history. Invaluable and indispensable reading for students of contemporary Chinese culture and society, Understanding China is an outstanding compendium of current reports on such critical issues as the status of Taiwan and Hong Kong, the nature of the Chinese armed forces upon the Chinese economy; the uneven development and structure of Chinese commerce and finance; the problems inherent between autocratic governance and democratic rule; the role of the arts; and more. Understanding China is very highly recommended and informative reading for American policy makers, businessmen, journalists, students of Chinese affairs, as well as China-bound travelers."—Midwest Book Review